Pumpkin Vitamin: description, features of cultivation and care, tips for use

Butternut squash is a wonderful representative of the vegetable world. Unlike many other species, nutmeg has a particularly delicate, pleasant-tasting pulp - for this, the vegetable is appreciated among gardeners and chefs. Let's take a closer look at the peculiarities of this melon culture, find out which varieties have the most pleasant taste and are easy to care for, and learn how nutmeg pumpkin is grown.

Butternut squash is not a product of selection, this plant is found in nature and in the wild: in Peru, Colombia, Mexico. However, only the main species is found in nature - in fact, the butternut squash. Its varieties have already been bred artificially, and in them the taste, drought-resistant and other useful characteristics of the culture are enhanced.

Butternut squash has a wide variety of colors and shapes. But for cultivation in the open air, varieties with elongated fruits, as well as with cylindrical, pear-shaped, are most suitable. In addition, fruits can have different weights.

According to experts, the tastiest and sweetest are small fruits. The average weight of a pumpkin is from a kilogram to ten. But some gardeners grow specimens of 100 kilograms each.

Despite the impressive parameters, the peel of the butternut squash is rather thin and bends easily. The inner cavity of the fruit is all filled with pulp, voids are rare.

The seeds are located in one place, which is very convenient. The pulp of the vegetable has a delicate texture, pleasantly fibrous, has a beautiful deep orange shade. However, depending on the variety, the color of the flesh can change from light cream to dark amber. The flesh is sweet to taste, with a distinct aroma of nutmeg.

You can hear various names for this culture: butternut or moskhata, sometimes nutmeg gourd, is also called nutmeg. But no matter how you call the vegetable, it is in any case one of the most popular among melons and gardeners. Note that in our climate, it is rare for a butternut squash to grow large: the average fruit weight reaches from five to seven kilograms.

All varieties of butternut squash have the following beneficial properties:

1. Low calorie content and thus high dietary value.
2. Diuretic effect.
3. Strengthens the heart muscle and blood vessels due to the high content of potassium.
4. Improves vision thanks to carotene.

Let's not forget about the unique taste of this vegetable - butternut squash can also be used to prepare high-quality confectionery products. It is also the only pumpkin that tastes good when fresh.

Let's get acquainted with the most popular varieties of butternut squash. Descriptions of the variety are given in the order in which the listed species are popular with our melons and gardeners.

Probably the most popular variety of butternut squash in our country. The fruits have the correct pear shape, reaching a mass of five kilograms. The pearl has such a high taste that it can be consumed even fresh.

Medium late variety, ripens in 100-110 days. This pumpkin is well stored in a cool room: an important point for those who cannot provide warm storage conditions.

Vitamin

This vegetable is never too big: the average fruit weight is 7 kg.Vitamin pumpkin has pronounced ribs, a rich dark green peel. From the name it is clear that this vegetable contains many vitamins.

The variety is late, therefore suitable for cultivation in southern latitudes - it ripens in about 140 days. Stores very well in almost any conditions.

Arabat

Large-fruited representative of the pumpkin family: the fruit sometimes reaches 20 kg. This common variety has a medium late ripening period (115-125 days). Great for outdoor use.

Provencal

The correct name of the variety is Muscat de Provence. This vegetable crop was bred in France, as the name implies. The fruits of the Provencal pumpkin have a juicy orange color and the peel and pulp are distinguished by a uniquely high keeping quality. In addition, this pumpkin is resistant to diseases and pests. Medium late ripening variety.

Honey princess

It has a pronounced sweet taste, but its fruits are medium-sized - they reach a maximum of four kilograms.

Nut (butternut)

The variety was bred in Israeli breeding laboratories. The fruits have an elongated shape, reminiscent of squash. The color of both the peel and the pulp is yellow.

Late-ripening variety, distinguished by long shoots. The fruits in this case are cylindrical, also elongated, expanding to the top. The color of the peel and pulp is orange, light. The average fruit weight is 5-7 kg, the pumpkin is juicy and tasty.

The Japanese variety is miniature in size: the fruits reach only two kilograms. The taste is very original: sweetish-spicy, similar to chestnut.

Spanish guitar

An interesting variety of butternut squash: the fruit reaches you a meter length and a weight of 10 kg. The shape is pear-shaped, the skin has a greenish mottled hue, and the flesh is orange. Taste similar to carrot, but sweeter.

It is a very sweet variety, the fruit has a brown skin, the flesh is sugary with a bright orange hue. Fruits reach a weight of 5 kg and are resistant to nitrates. Thanks to the latest quality, candied pumpkin is recommended for baby food, as well as for dietary ones.

The variety is medium late, ripens in 130-150 days. This pumpkin is widely used in confectionery for the production of sweets.

The fruits are oddly flat in shape, the peel has a gray tint. The pulp is moderately sweet, bright orange. The dignity of this variety is its unpretentiousness and resistance to external influences.

This pumpkin is ideal for growing in our harsh climate. The fruits are yellow-brown in color, the flesh is orange in color and dense in structure. Vita pumpkin is a real storehouse of useful carotene, which is no less in it than in carrots. You can use this vegetable both as a useful product for cooking and as animal feed.

Prikubanskaya

An early ripening variety capable of producing a crop one hundred days after planting. The pulp is very juicy, sweet, has a reddish-orange tint. Note that the Kuban pumpkin produces, albeit small, but very stable and predictable yields.

The variety is mid-season, ripens in 130 days. The pumpkin is large in size, flattened, the skin color is gray-green with characteristic veins. A very pleasant sweet taste of the pulp, in addition, the fruits are stored for a rather long time without loss of taste.

Palav Kadu

This pumpkin ripens late and is suitable for cultivation in the south or in greenhouses. Fruits are round and regular in shape, have ribs, grow rather large - up to 10 kg. The peel is orange, the pulp is juicy and very sweet.

What is this pumpkin?

Butternut squash or moskhata is a plant of the pumpkin family, which is native to America. It differs from other types of pumpkins in the following properties:

• refers to late-ripening varieties, therefore, due to a lack of heat when grown in the middle lane, it may not produce fruits or even ovaries;
• fruits can reach enormous sizes, up to 100 kg;
• the shape of the fruit is usually not round, but oblong, and resembles a squash, which is somewhat narrowed in the middle and thickened at the place of flowering;
• the skin of the fruit is smooth or ribbed, has a bright orange or yellowish brown color and green longitudinal stripes, but is very thin, so it can be easily removed even with an ordinary knife;
• the fruits have a relatively small family nest, but contain a lot of juicy orange pulp, which has a sweet taste and a slight nutmeg smell.

In terms of taste, butternut squash occupies a leading position in its family.

Growing technology

Nutmeg gourds are grown in sandy, sandy loam and light loamy soils. Vitamin pumpkin seeds are sown in the soil warmed by the sun's rays, preferably at the end of May. If the temperature drops below 20 oC, then the tender pumpkin roots die off in the cool soil. The first sign of wilting will be withered, dark-spotted leaves.

Growing of butternut pumpkins is allowed only in seedlings. Their late varieties are popularly called "winter". Growing from seeds will further delay the ripening period. In this case, the warm season will not be enough for the period of active plant growth.

The seedling container should be large enough, with a diameter of at least 10 cm. This is necessary for the development of the root system.

The beds are prepared as for all vegetables:

• digging in and clearing of debris and roots;
• break earth stones;
• make furrows 10 cm deep.

Seedlings should be planted in the ground from a container, preserving the earthen clod. When planting plants, observe a step of 50 - 60 cm from each other. The pumpkin loves free space to spread wide leaves unhindered.

Pumpkin yield, harvesting and storage

It is necessary to remove pumpkins from the beds in a timely manner. Much depends on the variety and ripening time. The early varieties are harvested in mid-August, the mid-late ones around the end of the month, and the late ones in September.

To find out about the ripening of the pumpkin, it is recommended to press on the crust with your finger, if there is no hole, the pumpkin is solid, which means that it is ready for harvesting. There are pumpkin varieties that change the color of the fruit as they ripen. You can find out about this in the instructions on the seed package.

Harvested in dry and sunny weather. It is advisable to be in time before frost, otherwise its shelf life will be reduced.

It must be remembered that the pumpkin will finally ripen during storage. To do this, you need to wait another 1.5–2 months.

It is cut off with a sharp knife; if it is heavily soiled, it is recommended to wipe it with a damp cloth.

The storage of the pumpkin crop depends on the variety. There are pumpkins that need to be stored in cold rooms, but generally it retains all its qualities well at room temperature.

If you intend to store the pumpkin for a long time, you must carefully examine the fruit, it should not have any damage on the crust. Although pumpkin has amazing abilities, the wounds on it heal after a while. During storage, it ripens, at this time the crust becomes much thicker, the color changes, the pulp becomes bright orange. The pumpkin can be stored for 3-12 months.

Reviews of gardeners about this variety

According to many summer residents, the Vitamin pumpkin has more advantages than disadvantages:

• seeds sold in stores germinate well;
• seedlings in the open field take root quickly;
• the pumpkin grows in all directions, spreads strongly on the ground;
• weeds do not attack her, diseases are also rare guests;
• out of 3 seedlings, you can get up to 9 pumpkins, it's enough to eat yourself and treat your friends.

Many people note the pleasant taste, especially the delicious jams and mashed soups made from it.

Energy value and composition

Butternut squash is a versatile dietary product that is easily absorbed by the body.100 g of pulp contains up to 45 kcal, and the energy value of the product is as follows:

• proteins - 1 g;
• fats - 0.1 g;
• carbohydrates - 9.69 g;
• dietary fiber - 2 g;
• water - 86.41 g.

It is important to note that the composition of the fruit contains only polyunsaturated fats, that is, they do not contain cholesterol.

Pumpkin is also appreciated due to the content of a large amount of vitamins, mineral salts, pectins and carotene, which is 2-3 times more than in the same carrots.

What kind of vitamins are found in the fruits of a heat-loving plant can be seen in the table:

Pumpkin contains at least the same amount of minerals, the list of which is presented in the following table:

Open ground transplant

Seedlings can be planted in early June

The pumpkin rises and grows quickly and if all the deadlines are met, it can be transplanted into open ground in early June. By this time, the plant should already have a third leaf.

A heat-loving variety, even at the beginning of summer, seedlings can only be planted in a greenhouse.

1. Dig small holes. It is important to maintain a distance of 60–100 cm between each plant.
2. Spill hot water - 2 liters for each hole.
3. Plant a pumpkin and sprinkle it with earth, completely covering the root collar.
4. Mulch with manure or peat.

The time for planting seedlings in open ground for the southern regions is also suitable for seeds. Put 2-3 pieces in a wide hole and cover them with earth. Top mulch with peat. Seeds are also planted in the greenhouse.

Special varieties for the middle lane

Butternut pumpkin is a southern plant that requires a lot of sun and heat. Therefore, in the middle lane and northern regions, it is recommended to grow it using seedlings or in greenhouses, choosing varieties with a short ripening period. These include:

1. "Vita" is a variety with yellowish-brown fruits and dense orange flesh, characterized by a high content of carotene. This variety can be used as a table vegetable and as animal feed.
2. Pearl. Pumpkins of this variety have a pear-like shape, growing, reaching a weight of 5 kg. The high palatability of this variety makes it possible to use raw and processed pumpkin.
3. Prikubanskaya. The variety is distinguished by its relative early maturity - it ripens on average in 100 days, has a sweet juicy orange-red pulp.
4. "The interception is shortened". A variety that gives sweet fruits weighing up to 3 kg.
5. "Golden Pear". The fruits of this variety have a teardrop shape and a bright sunny orange color. The dense flesh of the pumpkin has a nutty flavor, reminiscent of roasted chestnuts or hazelnuts.

The fruits of butternut squash are harvested unripe, before the first frost
Planting of nutmeg seeds for seedlings is carried out at the end of April, and the seedlings themselves are transplanted to a permanent place in early June. Caring for nutmeg varieties is similar to caring for other types of pumpkins. Fruits are harvested immature, always before the onset of frost: in the northern regions - usually in mid-August, in the middle lane - in the first half of September and leave the pumpkins for ripening for up to 60 days.

The presence of a large varietal selection allows each gardener to choose the version of the nutmeg pumpkin they like. Unpretentious care and the ability to use early-ripening varieties contribute to the spread of this pumpkin even in regions that are atypical for its cultivation.

Butternut pumpkin varieties - video

Harvesting and application of the crop

Pumpkin reaches full maturity in 130 days from the moment of germination. The crop is usually harvested from mid-August to mid-September. The exact date depends on the climatic conditions.

The fruits are removed before the onset of the first cold weather - the pumpkin cannot withstand frosts. Watering is stopped a couple of weeks before harvesting. Cut off fruits with a small stalk (5-6 cm) - this way they will be stored longer.

Application

Pumpkin of nutmeg varieties is universal in use: it is equally tasty both raw and after heat treatment. It is rich in vitamins, and most of them remain even in a baked or boiled product. Vitamin is perfect for preparing salads and main courses.

It is used to bake pies and cookies, frit pancakes, boil cereals, jams, soups and sauces, and also make dumplings and freshly squeezed juices. Pumpkin pulp contains a large amount of carotene, so it is often used for baby and medical nutrition.

How to store

Until the onset of cold weather, the pumpkin is stored on a closed balcony or in another dry room. When the air temperature starts to drop below 5ºC at night, the fruits are transferred to a warmer place. You can store the vegetable in the apartment, but the optimal storage temperature is from +4 to + 8ºC.

When the harvest is large, it is stored in the garden, in a trench. Top with straw (thick layer) and sprinkle with earth, leaving ventilation holes.

Beneficial features

Due to its rich composition, when consumed regularly, butternut squash has a positive effect on the human body:

• cleanses the body of toxins, cholesterol and decay products, helps in getting rid of fatty deposits (for this reason, pumpkin can be safely included in the diet in the fight against obesity);
• normalizes metabolism and supports the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
• strengthens the immune system, saturating the body with vitamins and nutrients;
• has a choleretic and diuretic effect, helping to remove salts of heavy metals (in this regard, pumpkin is recommended for use in diseases of the liver and kidneys);
• improves the condition in diseases of the urinary system, including facilitating the dissolution of stones in the bladder;
• increases visual acuity due to the content of a large amount of carotene;
• slows down the aging process with regular consumption, as it saturates the body with vitamin K;
• prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system and has a beneficial effect on the state of blood vessels and blood, since it contains potassium (for this reason, pumpkin helps to get rid of anemia);
• relieves inflammation in the liver and prostate gland.

To reap the benefits of pumpkin, it can be consumed stewed, baked, boiled, and even raw. For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to drink 1/3 cup of pumpkin juice or a decoction from the shoots of the plant several times a day.

Butternut squash cannot be included in the diet only in one case - with individual intolerance.

Description of the variety

Pumpkin "Vitaminnaya" refers to late-ripening varieties. From the moment of planting in open ground until the fruit is fully ripe, at least 5 months pass. Because of this feature, it is rarely planted in cold regions.

It got its name due to its high nutrient content.

Description of fruits:

• elongated shape;
• large, average weight up to 7 kg;
• the peel is dark, thin;
• the pulp is bright orange, dense and juicy;
• there are few seeds.

The fruit has a nutmeg aroma and a sweet taste. They tolerate transportation and long-term storage well.

How to grow?

Photo:

Let's get acquainted with the main points regarding planting butternut squash.

Site selection and landing time

In order for the pumpkin in our climate to have time to set, mature and give a good harvest, it is required to plant seeds for seedlings at the end of April.In the open ground, the grown seedlings are placed in early June - the night frosts by the time of transplanting to the garden should have completely ended.

As for the choice of the site, the pumpkin likes to grow in a warm and well-lit place - after all, the plant is thermophilic, southern. Do not plant this crop in a shady place - it will hardly be possible in this case to wait for a good harvest. Does not like butternut pumpkin and waterlogging - the site should be located on a small hill.

Garden bed preparation

Pumpkin needs a nutritious soil, and it is loose and not too wet.

It has been noticed that the most impressive harvest of butternut squash is produced if it is planted in the immediate vicinity of a pit with nutritious compost. If this is not possible, before planting seedlings in the garden, fertilize the latter well with organic matter. In addition to the general application of fertilizers to the ground, it is also recommended to put compost in each hole.

Seed preparation

Before placing seeds in the ground, they must be soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour for disinfection. After potassium permanganate, place the seeds in a growth stimulant solution (Epin will do) for half an hour, too. After the "water" procedures, the seeds are washed in clean water, dried, laid out in layers of wet gauze and other soft cloth.

How to plant?

Let's take a step-by-step look at the whole process of planting pumpkin seeds directly.

In order for the seedlings to be strong and viable by the time they are placed in open ground, 3-4 weeks must pass from the moment of sowing the seeds. When the seeds hatch in the tissue, they are placed in containers with earth - two seeds per container.

Instructions:

1. It is recommended to cover the containers with transparent film, then put them in a dark but warm place.
2. As soon as shoots appear, the containers are transferred to a lighted place, the film is removed.
3. Then select the weakest of the two shoots and remove it. In this way, one sprout remains in each container.
4. After a couple of weeks, start taking out the seedlings to the balcony, veranda, loggia, outside for hardening.
5. 3-4 weeks after sowing: in late May-early June, you can plant pumpkin sprouts in a garden bed.

Keep in mind that there should not be any night frosts by the time of planting, and the soil should warm up to +10 degrees. Otherwise, the seedlings will not survive.

Caring for butternut squash

Regardless of the method of planting, the plant needs competent care, which involves the following activities:

• Watering and loosening... Water the pumpkin with plenty of warm water (about 20 ° C), and the optimal volume of water is up to 5-6 liters per plant or 15-20 liters per 1 sq. m of landing area. This is enough to give the pumpkin nutritious moisture, but prevent the fruit from cracking. Before the formation of ovaries, watering should be carried out once a week, and later - once every 2 weeks. After each watering, it is imperative to loosen the soil around the plants shallowly.
• Top dressing... Helps to increase the yield of the variety and the quality characteristics of the fruit. The first feeding with nitrophosphate is introduced after the formation of the 5th true leaflet on the plants. The second feeding with mullein solution is introduced in the lash formation phase. In addition, during the flowering period, the pumpkin can be watered with warm water with the addition of wood ash.
• Weed removal and pinching... It is extremely important to remove weeds in time before the formation of lashes. When the lashes are formed, then the need for this will disappear. At the same time, it is not recommended to move the formed knots and lashes, especially during the flowering period, since in this case it is possible to damage the flowers and suspend the development of fruits. It is equally important to remember about pinching the ovaries.
• Protection from pests and diseases... As a preventive measure, the plant should be treated with biofungicides or growth-stimulating agents, which include Immunocytophyte, Krezacin, Silk and Epin. In addition, the bushes can be sprayed with an Acrobat or Kurzat.

Despite preventive measures, pumpkin can be affected by various diseases and pests:

• Powdery mildew... This is a disease that is provoked by a sharp change in day and night temperatures. Spots appear on the fruits, and the leaves turn yellow, dry up and fall off. To prevent powdery mildew, cover the plant with a film at night. It is equally important to water the plant abundantly and regularly.
• Anthracnose... The disease more often affects pumpkin that grows in a closed area or in a greenhouse. Less commonly, it poses a threat to plants grown outdoors. Anthracnose is manifested by symmetrical damage to the leaves, and after the stem and fruits. On the surface, ulcers are formed, covered with a bloom of pink. The plant dies completely when the disease affects the root. Anthracnose develops with excessive air humidity. In addition, it can appear during the hot period of summer with intensive watering of the fruits.
• Ascochitosis... It affects the ground parts of the plant in case of excessive moisture in the ground or frost. At the same time, black spots appear on the leaves, stems and fruits. To prevent the development of the disease, the seedlings should be covered with foil.
• Melons aphids... These are insects that suck vital juices from the plant, so the leaves dry out due to a lack of moisture and nutrients. In the fight against aphids, you can use special preparations or folk remedies like infusion of chamomile or wormwood. Aphids can be distracted from the pumpkin by potato or tomato tops, ash.
• Slugs... These pests can spoil crops as they lay their eggs in the soil and eat the plant at night, making holes in the fruit. In the fight against slugs, it is worth fencing the area with sacking and even planting a burdock on it. During the day, slugs will accumulate under the burlap, and in the evening they need to be exterminated using ash.

By adhering to all the recommendations for caring for butternut squash, from mid-August to the end of September, you can get an excellent harvest of fragrant fruits.

Features of planting and growing varieties

The pumpkin of the described variety is usually grown in seedlings, although there are cases of direct sowing in open soil (more typical for the southern regions). Each of the options has its own characteristic features, advantages and disadvantages, therefore, before making a final decision, it is worth considering all the nuances: from preparatory measures to placing seeds in the substrate.

Suitable conditions

Germination of pumpkin seeds is possible at a temperature of at least + 11 ° C, therefore, when sowing seeds in an open area, it is important to make sure that there are no return frosts and that not only the soil, but also the air is sufficiently warmed up (it is good if the temperature indicators outside are stably kept within + 15 ... + 18 ° C or higher). Humidity is not so significant, although it is desirable that these indicators are not too low (the best option for air is at least 60–70%).

Also learn how to correctly determine the ripeness of a pumpkin in a garden bed.

The moisture content of the soil when sowing seeds should not prevent its looseness, but otherwise, sufficient moisture in sandy loam or light loamy substrates will benefit the culture. Immediately after sowing the seed, the illumination should be bright, lasting at least 6-7 hours a day, and after the emergence of young shoots, its intensity can be reduced: instead of direct sunlight, the plants can be illuminated by diffused light.

Soil and seed preparation

Preparatory activities are the first stage on the path to successful cultivation of Vitamin pumpkin, however, immediately after you decide on the method of planting the plant.

Regardless of the place where the seeds are sown (seedling containers or an open bed), seed preparation is always performed in the same way:

1. To begin with, for two months, pumpkin seeds are heated next to a heater (this will allow you to get more female seeds).
2. Then, they check for germination by soaking in a saline solution (seeds that float to the surface are thrown away, and those that have settled to the bottom are used for planting).
3. After selection, soak in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for at least 10 hours, changing the liquid at least once.
4. The final stage in the preparation of pumpkin seeds will be their hardening by wrapping them in a damp cloth, with further placement in the refrigerator for three days.

Preparing the soil for planting pumpkin depends on its type: indoor or outdoor. When growing seedlings, a substrate made from two parts of transitional peat, one part of rotted sawdust and the same amount of humus is poured into the boxes. You can add a teaspoon of nitroammophoska to the finished mixture, per 5 kg of substrate. Before planting the pumpkin directly, all that remains is to moisten the ground and you can deepen the seeds.

Important! When placing seeds in the refrigerator, leave them only on the lower shelves and never place them in the freezer. Frozen seed will not have a high germination rate.

If we are talking about planting pumpkin seeds right on the garden bed (in open soil), then the preparation of the selected area will have to be done in the fall: clearing the soil from weeds, removing plant residues of cultivated varieties, digging up and loosening the soil.

Upon completion of the harvesting work, the soil should be fertilized with organic matter (for example, 3-5 kg ​​of manure or compost per 1 m²) and, if necessary, add 200-300 g of ash or lime to it, which is important on heavy or overly acidic soils. With the arrival of spring, the bed is fluffed, the remaining weeds are removed and dug to a depth of about 20 cm. Before directly sowing the pumpkin, you just need to level the area and organize holes for seedlings or furrows for seeds.

Planting seeds

Depending on the chosen option for growing pumpkin Vitamin, an appropriate scheme and technology for sowing seeds are selected, therefore, we will consider each option more closely.

Did you know? The largest pumpkin to enter the Guinness Book of Records was grown in 2020 by Belgian farmer Matthias Wilemain and weighed 1190 kg.

In open ground

The scheme for sowing pumpkin seeds in a garden bed provides for their placement in rows, with a free space of 2 m (both between plants and between rows). 2-3 seeds are placed in each well, and after germination, weak specimens are removed, leaving only strong shoots. A distance of 2-3 cm is maintained between the seeds in the hole, deepening the seed into the ground by at least 10 cm.

At the end of planting, the sealed seeds can be additionally mulched with peat or manure, which will help maintain sufficient moisture and protect the pumpkin from the cold. In the southern regions, the Vitaminnaya variety is sown in the garden at the end of May, but in the central or even more northern regions, this should be postponed until the beginning or even mid-June.

In pots for seedlings

At home, sowing pumpkin seeds for seedlings is often performed already at the beginning of April, since it is much easier to maintain the ideal temperature for seedlings indoors. Any pots or disposable cups can be used as planting containers, but the easiest way is to grow pumpkin in special boxes, divided by partitions into several separate cells. Before planting the pumpkin, any tank is filled with the prepared soil mixture, but only halfway, so that after 10 days, when the growth of the stem part slows down a little, you can add the soil to the level of the cotyledon leaves.

General information and classification

This vegetable crop, also known as garmel, is widely known among amateur gardeners and in industrial cultivation.

Depending on the thickness of the outer skin, all pumpkin varieties are divided into 3 groups:

1. firm-bark (fruits are covered with a hard crust with a waxy coating, the shape of the pumpkins is elongated, cylindrical);
2. nutmeg (the skin is thin, soft, and the fruits are elongated);
3. large-fruited (varieties with soft skin and round pumpkins).

Large-fruited pumpkin is grown in personal plots most often. It produces very large fruits. Hardy pumpkin varieties are stored for a long time, but are characterized by small pumpkin sizes. The sweetest varieties are categorized as butternut squash.

All types can be divided into groups depending on the purpose:

• feed pumpkin;
• decorative varieties;
• canteens;
• pumpkin varieties for juice;
• varieties for seeds.

Disease and pest resistance

The most common diseases of melons and gourds, which include pumpkins, are late blight and powdery mildew. Vitaminnaya pumpkin is very resistant to these two diseases, which makes gardeners very happy. Nevertheless, prevention will not only be superfluous, but will also help to strengthen the plant's immunity. And fertilizing the plant with mineral fertilizers will contribute to the collection of a decent harvest.

A pumpkin of this variety, like any plant, be it a fruit, vegetable or an ornamental plant, has both advantages for which it is most appreciated among professional gardeners and amateur gardeners, and disadvantages that are worth paying attention to so that your expectations were met, and your efforts on the beds were not in vain.

Beneficial features

Popular in Colombia, Peru, Asia, Mexico. This type of pumpkin was brought to Europe only in the 18th century. The vegetable belongs to healthy dietary food, almost consists of water, which is 90%, although the pulp of the pumpkin is dense.

This pumpkin should be on every table. You can cook a variety of dishes from it - cereals, soups, pastries. It is stewed, baked, boiled, pickled and dried. In addition, Butternut squash is the only type of pumpkin that, thanks to its thin skin, is pleasant to eat fresh, adding to salads.

Healthy vegetable. The spectrum of its valuable properties is striking, it is:

1. Improves vision due to the presence of carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin in it.
2. It has a diuretic effect, cleansing the kidneys and bladder from the content of toxins and salts in them.
3. Strengthens the cardiovascular system, cleansing blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and also helps to eliminate "bad" cholesterol.
4. It is the prevention of dangerous diseases such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, stroke.
5. Contains fiber to improve gastrointestinal function.
6. It has a low calorie content: 45 kcal per 100 grams of product, therefore it is considered a dietary product. Thanks to her, you can get rid of extra pounds.
7. It helps to improve the functioning of the immune system, thanks to the content of vitamin C and folic acid.
8. It slows down the aging of the body, as it contains potassium and vitamin K. They protect cells from free radicals, as well as toxins and toxins accumulated in the body.
9. Improves the condition of teeth and joints. Contained calcium strengthens tooth enamel and bones.
10. It can improve the patient's condition during the flu, since the contained vitamin C helps to quickly get rid of viruses, restore a sore throat.
11. This product is useful for pregnant women, since it practically does not cause allergies, it supplies the body only with everything useful, which will contribute to the full development of the fetus.

In terms of content, butternut squash is considered a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins A, B, C, PP, E, as well as trace elements - magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and others.

Testimonials

Tamara Ivanovna, 58 years old:

For more than 10 years, I have been growing only this variety on my site. I liked it for its taste and good keeping quality.During all this time, my plantings did not hurt at all, perhaps because I regularly fertilize them and loosen the ground.

Zhenya, 32 years old:

Having a small child in raising, I seriously thought about the naturalness of food. After consulting with my husband, we bought a dacha, where I grow all vegetables and fruits on my own. I really liked the pumpkins of this variety for their taste. I often cook porridge and desserts from them for my baby.

Ivan, 45 years old:

Having lived all my life in the village, I probably tried to grow all varieties of pumpkins, but the variety I liked the most was Pearl. With minimal maintenance, it gives a large amount of harvest, which, moreover, can be easily stored throughout the winter.

Popular varieties of large-fruited pumpkin

Arabat

Arabat
Ripening period - late, growing season - 118-127 days... A cylindrical vegetable with a thickening at the top hangs when ripe up to 9 kg.

The thick layer of bright orange pulp after processing is incredibly juicy and sweet in taste. Duration of storage is about 4 months.

The variety is characterized as high yielding, disease and drought resistant.

Big moon

The growing season lasts 115-130 days... The lash forms a powerful one; to obtain a large pumpkin, only one ovary is left. The weight of such a specimen reaches 70-80 kg... With normal cultivation, the mass of the vegetable is about 20-30 kg.

The peel is of medium density, the pulp is tender, but retains its structure well during heat treatment. The use of pumpkin is universal.

Big Moon

Parisian gold

Plant with an early ripening period, the growing season lasts 90 days... Pumpkin weight reaches 20 Kg with conventional agricultural technology.

The culture is responsive to fertilizers, so it is quite possible to remove a giant vegetable from the bush. Young shoots cope well with adverse weather conditions, in particular drought. Diseases and pests are not dangerous.

The shelf life of the crop in winter, under proper conditions, is 4-6 months.

Parisian gold

Stopudovaya

Weighty fruit veils up to 20 kilograms, although records of up to 200 kg of one copy have been recorded. Late ripening plant with growing season 125-140 days.

To get giants, you need to fertilize the soil well and monitor moderate humidity. The culture forms a long lash, when planting, the distance between the holes is 100x150 cm.

The bright yellow pulp has a dense structure, the delicate taste is filled with sweetness.

The variety is tolerant to various diseases and pests, withstands adverse weather conditions.

Stopudovaya

Propagation of butternut squash

There are two main methods of reproduction - seeds and seedlings. The seeds are taken from the best, well-ripened pumpkin, there are a lot of them in the middle of the fruit. The seeds are taken out, dried and stored until next spring.

Negative factors

Negative factors that worsen and complicate obtaining a good harvest are:

• the development of diseases;
• insect attack;
• natural disasters (frost, frequent rains, drought).

The first two must be fought with the use of chemicals and folk methods.